I confess. I still struggle with my thoughts, yet I’m learning more and more to depend upon the truth of Colossians 2:10. It is one of the most meaningful elements of my inheritance in Christ: “In Him you have been made complete.” That word “complete” carries with it the idea of being perfect. In God’s eyes, you and I are perfect, if we are “in Christ.” There’s nothing we can do to make ourselves more acceptable to God. It’s already been done to the max! And because we had nothing to do with it–other than asking Jesus Christ to come into our lives as Lord and Savior–it can’t be taken away.
This ingredient of our inheritance replaces the feeling we are unacceptable to God unless we accomplish things. It is particularly important to me because of my childhood beliefs that I had to be good enough and do well enough to be acceptable to God. Even as a Christian, I’ve struggled with thoughts like:
- I haven’t had my devotions today; I didn’t spend enough time with God. He can’t be pleased with me.
- I don’t love that person enough. God wants me to love completely. He’s most likely stopped loving me because of it.
- My heart isn’t wholly devoted to God. See how I make wrong choices? There’s no hope for me.
These condemning accusations have robbed me of peace. Yet God has continually reminded me, “My daughter, you are already complete in My eyes. Relax and let Me work in you. Yes, I’ll need your cooperation, but stop thinking you must perform perfectly for Me to love you without reservation. Even if you could complete all sorts of spiritual feats, I still couldn’t love you more than I do right now.”
That kind of total acceptance has helped me to feel more secure and loved. Little by little, my need to accomplish has been replaced with a deep sense of God’s unconditional acceptance.
If you are still feeling like you need to perform to earn or deserve God’s love, claim your inheritance in Christ by embracing this truth: “I am complete and perfect, not because I achieve certain goals, but because Jesus’ robe of righteousness is wrapped around me.”